The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released statistics today measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The new U.S. data show that the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.1 percent ($459.8 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2019. At the […]

In response to statements in the Republican Party Platform,  the Outdoor Industry Association (representing the companies that make your outdoor gear) wrote a letter to Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee.  The association is concerned about the party’s inclination to dispose of the nation’s public lands.  Here is the letter in it’s entirety […]

This is the second article of two that address what I can discover about positions of the major party candidates that relate to outdoor recreation.  In this article, I’ll discuss  Hillary Clinton’s positions and the positions of the Democratic party. Hillary Clinton Campaign While Mr. Trump addresses seven topics and offers his positions on them. […]

This is the first article in a series of two that will address what I can discover about positions of the major party candidates that relate to outdoor recreation. First,  let’s see what Donald trump and the Republic Party offer. Donald Trump Campaign Mr. Trump’s campaign website offers his policy positions on seven topics, none […]

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has been highlighting the importance of outdoor recreation in state and national economies.  The OIA reports that outdoor recreation in the United States generates: $646 billion in consumer spending 6.1 million direct jobs $49.9 billion in federal tax revenue $39.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. To put this […]

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service and the Healthy Community Design Initiative of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention got together and produced a Parks, Trails and Health Workbook.  It is widely recognized that parks are critical to the health of communities and the people that live in them.  This […]

Beyond snorkeling and SCUBA diving, most of us have limited ability to explore underwater.  Even given these skills, we are still limited by depth and the amount of time that we can stay under water at one time.  A select few have access to submersible vehicles and can extend this a bit more, but serious […]

  The U.S. Postal Service has begun previewing a series of postage stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Parks.  The 16 new stamps will be officially released on June 2.   The first-day-of-issue ceremony will take place at New York City’s Javits Center at 11 a.m. as part of World Stamp Show-NY 2016. Dedication ceremonies also will take place […]

As you know, our mission to improve your health by encouraging you to explore the outdoors, but the benefits of getting outdoors don’t end there.  The way your community supplies local outdoor recreation opportunities can lead to a marked improvement in your community’s employment situation.  The key here is knowledge workers. What is a Knowledge Worker? Back in […]

The United States Mint began issuing a series of 56 quarters featuring the National Parks as part of their America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This year is the seventh year of the program and five new quarters will be issued. I mentioned in the Friday News last November that the U.S. mint had their designs for a series of […]